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Our weekly news column bringing the most current, non-biased health
information to the consumer. |
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November 24, 2009 |
A Publication of QVHD |
Faith of Our Fathers
By: V. Deborah Culligan, RN, MPH,
Deputy Director QVHD
If you are a student of
history, you know that faith was an integral part of the building of
this country. However, over time, faith has been pushed farther and
farther into the background and is almost a taboo subject, not to be
discussed in a public forum and certainly to be kept out of most of our
institutions. However, you may find it interesting to note that when it
comes to health, those involved with a faith community often fair better
than those without such ties.
During the 1990's, there was a great deal of social science research on
the relationship between faith and health. And in general, this research
demonstrated that there was a positive relationship between the two.
Consider some of the findings of this research:
Hospital stays were nearly 2 and ½ times longer for older patients
without a religious affiliation, compared to older patients with a
religious affiliation. (Koenig and Larson, 1997.)
Patients are three times more likely to survive open-heart surgery if
they depend on their religious faith. (Oxman et al, 1995)
For prisoners who had at least monthly bible studies in the year
before their release from prison, recidivism at one year follow-up was
14% compared with 41% in a matched group
Yankelovich Partners, 1998, found that 41% of Americans say they have
been cured of an illness or had their condition significantly improved
as a result of personal prayer or meditation.
Koenig et al, 1997 showed that those who attend religious servivces at
least once a week have been shown to have stronger immune system
function compared with less frequent attendees.
In 1994, Koenig showed in a study of 2,679 baby boomers, that the
rates of psychopathology, including depression and other mental
illnesses, was half that in frequent church attendees as in non
attendees.
Kark et al, found that persons living in religious kibbutzim in Israel
had less illness and a 50% lower mortality rate than those in secular
kibbutzim, even when the secular community was tightly-knit.
So what does all this mean? Is it coincidence? To researchers, it
appears that religion and faith do have positive effects on people's
health, but they do not have a justification for it. They raise the
question, Is it divine intervention or is it just the encouragement of
good behaviors that promote health and fight disease?
Two prominent researchers looking at this question pose a range of
explanations for the positive health effects of religious practices and
spiritual beliefs. They suggest that involvement in a religious group
promotes health behaviors and discourages unhealthy behaviors, like
smoking or drinking. They also suggest that the social support persons
gain from belonging to a church community influence health in a positive
manner. They further speculate that religious involvement may promote
feelings of self-worth and confidence; may improve coping skills and may
promote a positive outlook.
There are many who already know about the power of faith in their lives,
while others are still exploring. However, it is clear that to solve a
lot of what ails our country, new strategies will need to be
implemented. Using faith communities with its ever-growing constituency
and stability within communities may be a good venue for improving
community health. Faith communities also often support those in need by
supporting food banks, opening soup kitchens, or providing clothing and
shelter.
Unfortunately, in this new millennium, research in this field has
diminished. You the reader, will have to draw your own conclusions about
these facts and what they could mean for you. You might also look at
people around you and how they cope with health issues. Ask them what
they believe. Perhaps faith is an alternate health care strategy.
Comments may be addressed to
dculligan@qvhd.org.
| An Ounce of Prevention is a
publication of the Quinnipiack Valley Health District, located at
1151 Hartford Turnpike, North Haven, CT 06473. Telephone:
248-4528. An Ounce of Prevention is
written by V. Deborah Culligan. The articles are published in the following local newspapers, The Advisor &
Beth-Wood News.
The content is provided as health education and
information to help you make health decisions. It is not intended to
be legal or medical advice, or substitute for recommendations made
by your health care provider. Address all comments to the district
office. |
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